Lisbon in Spring: A City Where the World’s Kitchens Bloom

April isn’t sunshine and sardines only — although they hold center stage. It is, though, when Lisbon’s international cuisine really hits its stride, spilling onto rooftops and cobbles and bringing flavors from Tbilisi to Tokyo without ever leaving the 28 tram route. 

🌮 Mexican Heat in Mouraria Fed up with bacalhau? Go to Mouraria for El Cabron where they serve tacos al pastor that are smoky and flavorful with fresh guacamole made tableside. It is packed with expats and locals who come for the fare but return for chocolate-covered churros. 

🥘 Local Classic: Pastéis and Patience You simply cannot go to Lisbon without ordering a pastel de nata. Fábrica da Nata is introducing a limited edition for this month with a cardamom and orange zest flavor — a nod to Lisbon’s spice trade heritage. 

🍜 Ramen Weather, Lisbon Edition Their marinated egg and bamboo shoot miso ramen is a treat after a windy riverside stroll along which the evenings are still cool enough, a good reason to drop by at Avenida da Liberdade’s Ajitama Ramen Bistro. 

🥟 Dumplings and Tiles in Intendente New arrival Bao Bao Lisboa is bringing lengthy lines for their handmade dumplings and fluffy, pillow-y bao buns. Azulejos and neon cover the walls within with a blend of Pop Asian design and Lisbon tradition. 

🍕 Pizza That’s Actually from Naples Lisbon’s pizza game is strong, but Forno d’Oro is on another level. This place boasts a certified Neapolitan oven and an owner who honed his skills in Italy, dishing out classics like margherita and diavola with an Iberian twist — think chouriço instead of pepperoni. 

🥗 Vegan? Lisbon’s Got You International vegan cuisine at small alley restaurant called Temple in Mouraria: Lebanese lentil stews, Indian cauliflower curries, and Moroccan spice bowls — under a string of fairy lights. 

🌍 Global Markets Popping Up In April, the markets for food return as well. Go to the Lisbon International Food Fair at Campo Pequeno at the weekend and graze from Peru to Poland — and may be back with some of those handmade spice mixtures. 

Lisbon is a gastronomic city, and even moreso when shared with someone else. Korean barbecue, Parisian patisserie, or a cheekily-presented local bifana: April is when to add the city’s ever-increasing world menu to your travel calendar. 

Work cited 

• “El Cabron Taqueria.” El Cabron, www.elcabron.pt. Accessed 8 May 2025. 

• “Fábrica da Nata – Pastéis de Nata Artisans.” Fábrica da Nata, www.fabricadanata.com. Accessed 8 May 2025. 

• “Ajitama Ramen Bistro.” Ajitama, www.ajitama.pt. Accessed 8 May 2025. 

• “Bao Bao Lisboa.” Zomato, www.zomato.com/baobaolisboa. Accessed 8 May 2025. 

• “Forno d’Oro.” Forno d’Oro, www.fornodoro.pt. Accessed 8 May 2025. 

• “The Food Temple.” The Food Temple, www.thefoodtemple.com. Accessed 8 May 2025. 

• “Lisbon International Food Fair.” Campo Pequeno, www.campopequeno.com. Accessed 8 May 2025.